This guide is for small business owners who need a POS system that can run day-to-day operations, from processing sales and tracking inventory to managing reporting and multichannel selling.
I go beyond cost when recommending POS systems. I evaluate how well each option supports your full workflow, including real-time inventory syncing, clear reporting, and flexibility across in-store, online, and mobile sales. Using a 30-point scoring system that covers pricing, payment processing fees, hardware, ease of use, scalability, and industry fit, I narrowed down the best POS systems to help you choose one that aligns with your business and growth plans.
Based on my evaluation, the best POS systems for small businesses are:
| Best for | Starting monthly price | |
| Square | Best overall (best value all-in-one POS) | $0 |
| Shopify POS | Online businesses looking to sell in-person | $5 |
| GoDaddy POS | Small businesses needing the most affordable in-person flat-rate pricing | $0 |
| Toast | Restaurants | $0 |
| Lightspeed Retail | Large and complex inventories | $89 |
| Helcim | Professional services and B2B providers | $0 |
| Clover | Flexible payment processing and durable mobile POS hardware | $0 |
| PayPal Point of Sale (formerly PayPal Zettle) | Microbusinesses and solopreneurs | $0 |
Featured partners
What is a POS system?
A point-of-sale (POS) system is the combination of hardware and software that a business uses to process sales and record transactions. Modern POS systems do more than take payments. They connect checkout with tools for inventory tracking, reporting, customer management, and staff oversight.
A POS can run on a countertop terminal, tablet, or even a smartphone, and many work in-store, online, and on the go. By linking sales data with other business systems, a POS helps small businesses manage operations more efficiently and make decisions based on real numbers.
Read also: What is a POS System? Overview, Meaning & Best Practices
Types of POS systems
There are several types of POS systems for small businesses, each suited to different needs:
- Mobile POS: Runs on smartphones or tablets; ideal for mobile businesses, markets, and pop-ups.
- Tablet POS: Uses iPads or Android tablets as the main register; common in cafes and small retail.
- Online POS: Web-based system that works through a browser; no dedicated hardware required.
- Self-service kiosks: Customer-facing screens for placing orders and making payments.
- Multichannel POS: Connects in-store, online, and mobile sales into one platform.
- Open-source POS: Customizable software for businesses with in-house development resources.
- Terminal POS: Traditional on-site system with dedicated hardware and higher upfront costs.
Read also: What Are the Different Types of POS Systems?
How does a POS system work?
A POS system manages the point-of-sale process from the moment a customer is ready to buy until the sale is recorded. The workflow starts by adding products or services to the order, calculating the total with taxes or discounts, and accepting payment by card, cash, or digital wallet. Once payment is approved, the system updates inventory in real time, issues a receipt, and stores transaction details for reporting. Online POS systems work similarly but also integrate with shipping tools and online payment gateways for order fulfillment.
Here’s a simple breakdown of how a POS works in practice:
- Add products or services to the order.
- Calculate total cost, taxes, and discounts.
- Accept payment by card, cash, or digital wallet.
- Update inventory automatically.
- Generate receipts and store transaction data.
Online and in-person POS systems work similarly, but ecommerce transactions also connect to shipping tools and online payment gateways.
Related: How to Use a POS System
Best POS systems for small business in 2026: Comparison
Company
My score (out of 5)
Monthly POS fee (starting price)
Industry-specific software
POS Hardware options
Not finding what you are looking for? Check out my guide to the Best Retail POS Systems for more options.
How I evaluated the best small business POS systems
To identify the best POS systems for small businesses, I focused on platforms that balance ease of use, feature depth, and scalability across different industries. I included providers that support retail, restaurants, and service-based businesses, with the ability to grow from a single-location startup to a multi-location operation.
I evaluated each system using consistent criteria that reflect how small business owners compare POS software in real buying decisions:
- Pricing & value: I analyzed monthly software fees, payment processing rates, hardware costs, and any onboarding or hidden charges. I compared both entry-level plans and higher-tier options to assess long-term value and scalability for growing businesses.
- Hardware flexibility: I reviewed available POS hardware, including countertop terminals, mobile card readers, tablets, and accessories. I considered design, portability, upfront cost, and financing options to determine how adaptable each system is for different setups.
- Core features: I evaluated essential POS capabilities such as sales tracking, inventory management, customer profiles, employee management, order handling, and reporting. I also looked for advanced tools like multichannel selling, built-in ecommerce, and automation features.
- Ease of use: I assessed onboarding, interface design, and how quickly a new user can get up and running. I also considered day-to-day usability, including navigation, checkout flow, and overall system responsiveness.
- Support & reliability: I reviewed support channels, availability, training resources, and system stability. This included whether providers offer reliable uptime and accessible help across different pricing tiers.
- User feedback: I incorporated customer ratings and reviews from trusted third-party platforms to validate real-world performance, focusing on common strengths, complaints, and long-term satisfaction.
To validate my findings, I used a mix of hands-on testing, product demos, and guided walkthroughs where available. This included exploring dashboards, running sample transactions, reviewing reporting tools, and testing key workflows like inventory updates and payment processing. I also compared platform popularity and market adoption to help break close decisions.
Square: Best overall and free (best value all-in-one POS system)
Overall Reviewer Score
4.46/5
Pricing
4.46/5
Hardware
5/5
Software features
3.75/5
Support and reliability
4.17/5
User experience
4.69/5
Average user review scores
4.70/5
Pros
- Forever-free plan
- Competitive flat-rate payment processing
- Add-ons and advanced plans to support growth
- Restaurant, retail, beauty, and service industry-specific POS systems
Cons
- Must use Square Payments
- Loyalty program is not included in any plans; add-on only
- Lacks several major ecommerce integrations, including Shopify
- No TikTok Shop integration
Why I chose Square
Square leads my list as the best point of sale system for small businesses because of the breadth of its offerings. With industry-specific POS systems, free options to get you started, top-of-the-line hardware, integrated payments, an online store, and so many tools and plans to support growth — there are no other POS systems that cover as much ground as Square.
But what I like most about Square is that every POS system — whether it’s the general POS or industry-specific POS software — comes with a free version to help you accept payments right away, along with more advanced plans to support you as you grow.
Note, though, that Square’s software and POS tools are exclusive within the Square ecosystem, so you won’t be able to use any of its upgrades if you have a different POS provider. That said, Square is easy to use, has great customer and expert reviews, offers some of the best POS hardware that money can buy, and can support small businesses from the moment they start and as they continue to expand.
Related: Best free POS systems
POS plans:
Square offers three POS tiers across all POS-specific offerings. Plans vary based on the level and types of features they provide.
- Square Free: $0/month per location
- Square Plus: $49/month per location (30-day free trial)
- Square Premium: $149/month per location (30-day free trial)
Processing fees:
Square requires the use of Square Payments to process transactions. Square Payments has a flat-rate pricing model for different transaction types; rates vary based on your software plan.
- In-person (tap, dip, swipe): 2.6% + 15 cents (Free), 2.5% + 15 cents (Plus), 2.4% + 15 cents (Premium)
- Online: 3.3% + 30 cents (Free), 2.9% + 30 cents (Plus & Premium)
- Manual entry: 3.5% + 15 cents
- Afterpay: 6% + 30 cents
- ACH bank transfer: 1% ($1 min, $5–$10 fee cap)
Hardware:
With Square, there are several hardware options you can purchase outright or via monthly financing. Along with the options below, Square also has options for accessories to use alongside its software or in tandem with your personal computer or tablet.
- Square Register: $799 or $39/month for 24 months
- Square Handheld: $399 or $37/month with financing
- Square Terminal: $299 or $27/month for 12 months
- Square Stand: $149 or $14/month for 12 months
- Square Reader: $59 or $21 per month financing)
- Square Reader for magstripe: First free, $10 additional
- POS essentials: Inventory management, reporting, CRM, employee controls, marketing tools, order management, and integrated payments are included even in the free plan.
- Industry-specific systems: Versions for restaurants, retailers, beauty, wellness, and service businesses with tailored tools and hardware.
- Integrated payments: Built-in Square Payments for all payment types, plus Afterpay for customer financing.
- Online store: Free Square Online builder with ecommerce, online ordering, or booking options based on your industry.
- Add-ons: Payroll, loyalty programs, advanced online store, and marketing tools available for a monthly fee.
- Custom solutions: Bespoke POS development available for businesses outgrowing standard plans.
Yes. Square POS offers a free plan with no monthly software fees and includes robust core features such as inventory tracking, reporting, customer management, and integrated payments. You only pay processing fees, starting at 2.6% + 15 cents per in-person transaction. Optional add-ons and hardware are available at an extra cost.
Shopify POS: Best for online businesses looking to sell in-person
Overall Reviewer Score
4.35/5
Pricing
4.11/5
Hardware
4.58/5
Software features
3.93/5
Support and reliability
4.58/5
User experience
4.38/5
Average user review scores
4.53/5
Pros
- Industry-leading ecommerce platform
- Integrations with TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Google, eBay, Amazon, and more
- Advanced plans for ecom and POS
- 24/7 1:1 customer support
Cons
- No free plan
- Offline mode limitations
- Ecommerce plans only include Lite POS
Why I chose Shopify POS
Shopify has always been my go-to recommendation for retailers that want a seamless online and in-person sales setup. It’s the industry leader in ecommerce, with unmatched integrations across social media shops, marketplaces like Amazon and eBay, and its own powerful online store builder — which I find far more robust than Square’s.
Every Shopify account comes with a basic POS system for occasional in-person sales, but where it really shines is in building a true omnichannel business. If most of your revenue comes from online, Shopify makes more sense than providers like PayPal Zettle or Square because its ecommerce tools are already built-in, along with solid marketing features and flexible payment options.
You can use Shopify POS as a standalone register or bundle it with the full ecommerce platform for a multichannel setup that syncs inventory, orders, and customers in one dashboard. While other systems may be cheaper for strictly in-person selling, none match Shopify’s combination of ecommerce power and POS flexibility.
POS plans:
The basic Shopify POS software is free and comes with an ecommerce plan that starts at $5 per month. You can also upgrade to a more advanced version of the POS software (POS Pro) by paying $89 per month on top of the ecommerce plan. If you don’t need an ecommerce platform (if you sell on social media), you can opt for Shopify’s Starter POS plan.
- Basic: Free with a Shopify ecommerce plan
- Starter: $5/month
- Pro: $89/month (requires a Shopify ecommerce plan)
Processing fees:
Along with your monthly software fees, there are also monthly payment processing fees. For Shopify Payments, the processing fees are listed below. If you choose to use a third-party processor, rates will vary, but you will incur an additional transaction fee from Shopify.
- In-person: 2.4%-2.6% + 10 cents (3.5% +10 cents for keyed-in manual)
- Online: 2.5%-2.9% + 30 cents (3.1% + 30 cents to 3.5% + 30 cents for commercial business cards or B2B)
Hardware:
Shopify also offers POS hardware options for both in-store and mobile operations. Alternatively, if you need to complete a mobile sale and are away from your store, you can use the Shopify POS app to complete sales from your mobile device, including tap-to-pay functionality and barcode scanning. Shopify’s hardware options include:
- Countertop kit: $459
- POS Terminal: $349
- Shopify Tap & Chip Reader: $49
- POS accessories: $9-$99
- Ecommerce site builder: Choose from dozens of templates for every kind of small business. The site builder is easy to use, full of customization options, and can be accessed at any time to make edits and site adjustments right from your Shopify account.
- Scalable POS system: Every Shopify account comes with a free Lite POS system. The Lite POS includes all the features a POS needs — inventory management, reporting, staff management, CRM tools, and more — at a very basic level. However, you can also upgrade to the Pro POS system for more advanced POS features if you start doing more in-person selling.
- Shopify app store: You can integrate hundreds of third-party tools into your Shopify POS for loyalty programs, inventory management, outreach marketing, analytics, and more via the Shopify app store. Note, however, that many of these tools come with monthly fees.
- Shopify Payments: Shopify Payments is integrated into every POS, so you can start taking payments and completing sales immediately when you create your POS account.
- Omnichannel selling (Pro): Shopify has tools to integrate all your sales channels so you can unify inventory, staff, and customer management everywhere you sell. Shopify sales channels include your online store, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, eBay, Google, Amazon, and more.
- Marketing automations: Shopify includes marketing automations to help you hone your store’s SEO, create targeted ads, identify new customers, and reach out to existing customers through email and SMS based on automated triggers.
- Shipping discounts: Shop discounted shipping rates from all major shipping companies and print shipping labels straight from your Shopify account.
- Top converting checkout UI: Shopify boasts the world’s top converting online checkout interface with Shop Pay. Shopify claims that its checkout interface boasts 15% higher conversion rates compared to other ecommerce platforms.
GoDaddy POS: Most affordable in-person flat-rate pricing
Overall Reviewer Score
4.28/5
Pricing
4.46/5
Hardware
4.17/5
Software features
2.33/5
Support and reliability
5/5
User experience
5/5
Average user review scores
4.70/5
Pros
- Competitive flat-rate in-person card processing starting at 2.3%
- Fast payouts, as soon as the next business day
- Integrated ecommerce with GoDaddy Online Store and Managed WooCommerce
- Multiple hardware options, including countertop and mobile devices
- 24/7 customer support, plus dedicated onboarding for high-volume sellers
Cons
- Must use GoDaddy Payments for processing
- Limited advanced third-party POS integrations compared to some competitors
- No built-in loyalty program without third-party apps
Why I chose GoDaddy POS
GoDaddy POS is a lightweight but capable solution built for small retailers and entrepreneurs, especially those already using GoDaddy for domains, websites, or ecommerce. Its quick setup, flat-rate processing, and simple inventory tools make it a strong option for sellers who want in-person and online sales in one platform. I like that there’s no contract, you can start with just a card reader and phone, and your dashboard syncs seamlessly with your online store. Its processing fees are even cheaper than Square’s highest tier, at 2.3% (vs Square’s Premium at 2.4% + 15 cents).
When the GoDaddy team demoed the POS for our team, I was impressed by how quickly it could be set up and synced with my dashboard. Its AI assistant, Airo, stood out — letting me create product listings, adjust pricing, and even generate sales reports with simple prompts. It delivers excellent value for users who want simplicity and affordability.
POS plans
- Standard: Free with purchase of GoDaddy hardware; 2.5% flat rate, includes product setup, basic inventory tracking, and GoDaddy Payments.
- Plus: $34.99/month; 2.3% flat rate, includes stock alerts, online ordering with pickup, employee management, and customizable digital receipts.
Processing fees
- 2.5% flat rate (Standard) or 2.3% (Plus) for in-person credit card transactions
- Surcharge option available to offset processing costs to 0% for in-person credit card sales
Hardware
All devices include free two-day shipping, a one-year warranty, and a 30-day money-back guarantee. GoDaddy POS also has the Tap to Pay (free) feature, which lets you accept contactless payments directly on a smartphone.
- Card Reader: $99
- Smart Terminal: $299 (dual-screen, compact design)
- Smart Terminal Flex: $499 (all-in-one, mobile-friendly)
- Offline + online sync for unified order and inventory tracking
- Built-in POS tools for barcode setup, modifiers, and preset discounts
- Real-time inventory management with ordering directly from terminal
- Customization for discounts, roles, permissions, and branding
- Add-ons for loyalty, employee management, and time tracking
- Tap to Pay feature for accepting contactless payments without extra hardware
- AI assistant “Airo” for product setup, pricing, and reporting guidance
Toast: Best for restaurants
Overall Reviewer Score
4.26/5
Pricing
4.04/5
Hardware
3.96/5
Software features
3.93/5
Support and reliability
4.58/5
User experience
4.38/5
Average user review scores
4.53/5
Pros
- Free basic POS system
- Pay-as-you-go option for hardware
- In-house online ordering platform
- Restaurant-specific tools and features (kitchen display system, ingredient-level tracking, menu management)
Cons
- POS can only operate on Toast hardware
- Access account on browser; no mobile app
- Standard 2-year contract
- Frequent hardware updates
- User interface learning curve; UI changes often with updates
Why I chose Toast
Toast is a POS system built specifically for the food service industry, with tools to support restaurants, cafes, catering businesses, food trucks, and more. It has features for online ordering, delivery management, tableside service, kitchen display system (KDS), and menu-based ingredient-level inventory management — miles ahead of Square’s restaurant POS software.
I particularly like how Toast bundles its hardware and software together to get your restaurant up and running. Its subscription options range from $0 to custom pricing for large-scale operations, making the system perfect for businesses that are just starting out and ensuring that the provider can support you as you grow. The pay-as-you-go option allows businesses to get started with no upfront costs and to pay as revenue comes in.
From experts to small business owners alike, there is no question that Toast is the best POS system for restaurants. The POS software’s range of tools was also a huge plus in my evaluation, allowing the system to fit the needs of cafes up to full-service restaurants. That said, small restaurants might find all the bells and whistles of Toast overwhelming to manage, in which case I recommend Square Restaurant POS software instead.
Related: Best Restaurant POS Systems
POS plans:
Toast offers three POS subscription options that vary based on features and processing fees. Unlike the other POS platforms on this list, Toast requires a 2-year contract. As of this writing, the rates are:
- Starter Kit: $0/month
- Point of Sale: $69/month
- Build Your Own: Custom pricing
Processing fees:
In addition to paying for your POS software each month, Toast also has payment processing fees for its in-house payments solution, Toast Payments.
- In-person
- Pay-as-you-go: 3.09% + 15 cents
- Standard plan: 2.49% + 15 cents
- Online
- Pay-as-you-go: 3.09% + 15 cents
- Standard plan: 3.50% + 15 cents
- Custom rates are available for high-volume businesses
Hardware:
Toast also offers users the option to get hardware and software for no upfront cost if they agree to higher processing fees. Exact fees vary based on the hardware you are financing, but in general, users opting for the pay-as-you-go arrangement can expect to pay an additional 0.50% in processing fees.
Toast also has many hardware options that users have to purchase to use the POS system*. For the Starter Kit plan, you have the option to choose between the handheld kit or the countertop terminal for your POS hardware. For Point of Sale and Build Your Own plans, you can choose whatever hardware suits your needs.
To pay for your hardware, you can either use the pay-as-you-go option for up to two hardware kits, outlined above, or you can pay upfront. Toast’s hardware options include:
- Countertop Terminal Starter Kit: $875 + or $0 + 2.99% + 15 cents per in-person transaction
- Handheld Terminal Starter Kit: $627 or $0 + 2.99% + 15 cents per in-person transaction
- Self Service Kiosk (Core and Build Your Own plans only): $1,234 or $0 + 2.99% + 15 cents per in-person transaction
In addition to its POS hardware, Toast also offers peripheral tools.
- Kitchen display system: $499 + $99 per month
- Toast Printer: $199
- Epson printer: $333
*On their FAQ page, Toast states that users “may be able to bring their own hardware.” While Toast users cannot use their own touch-screen tablets or card readers, they may be able to reuse compatible receipt and kitchen printers. However, bringing any pre-owned hardware could impact the service Toast can provide.
- Restaurant-specific POS: Toast includes an intuitive order and checkout screen, integrated payments, table and seating management, real-time inventory tracking, and detailed reporting. Checkout runs on Toast hardware, but you can access your account from any browser.
- Tableside service: Take orders, send them to the kitchen, and process payments right at the table. Handhelds also show order-ready alerts and collect customer feedback.
- Online ordering and delivery: Build commission-free ordering on your site, the Toast TakeOut app, or by phone. Integrate with delivery partners like DoorDash so orders flow directly to your POS.
- Detailed reporting: Get ingredient- and menu-level insights by location and across your business.
- Menu management: Update menus from any terminal or your POS account, auto-86 items, and set countdowns for specials to keep staff informed in real time.
Lightspeed Retail: Best for large, complex inventories
Overall Reviewer Score
4.07/5
Pricing
3.21/5
Hardware
3.96/5
Software features:
4.46/5
Support and reliability
4.58/5
User experience
4.06/5
Average user review scores
4.13/5
Pros
- Industry-specific POS for retail
- Choice of in-house or several third-party payment solutions
- Granular, matrix inventory management tools
- 24/7 customer support
Cons
- High monthly software fees
- Limited mobile app options
- UI learning curve
- Monthly fee for using third-party merchant account
Why I chose Lightspeed
Lightspeed is a popular POS system for all kinds of businesses, with an industry-specific system just for retailers — Lightspeed R Series or Lightspeed for Retail. Lightspeed’s retail POS system has everything a retailer needs to run their business, including some of the best inventory management tools in the industry, CRM tools, advanced reporting and analytics, a customizable loyalty program, an in-house ecommerce site builder, integrated payments, and plans to support your growth.
If Toast offers the best-in-class features for restaurants, Lightspeed does the same for managing retail businesses. The software is especially strong when it comes to inventory management and reporting, with tools for managing complex inventories, keeping track of your vendors, integrated purchase ordering tools, and even built-in product catalogs where you can shop and order goods right from your POS account.
It is significantly more expensive than Square, but if you don’t mind the high price point, Lightspeed is my best recommendation for niche retailers and those that accept made-to-order products.
POS plans:
Lightspeed for Retail offers four software plans, with higher plans including more advanced features. Lightspeed R Series plans are priced as follows:
- Basic: $109/month; $89/month (annual)
- Core: $179/month; $149/month (annual)
- Plus: $339/month; $289/month (annual)
Processing fees:
The only other monthly fees you will incur are payment processing fees. Lightspeed Payments is the default option for processing, however, you can integrate your Lightspeed account with a few other merchants. If you choose to do this, you will have to pay an additional third-party processing fee. For Lightspeed Payments, the processing fees are:
- In-person: 2.6% + 10 cents
- Online: 2.9% + 30 cents
Hardware:
In addition to its software options, Lightspeed also offers a number of hardware options for both an iPad and desktop setup. Lightspeed does not disclose its hardware options or pricing — you have to reach out to a rep who will assess your needs and circumstances to pair you with the best hardware for your business.
- Marketing tools: Segment shoppers, collect reviews, send SMS campaigns, and automate alerts and promotions.
- Ecommerce: Standard and Advanced plans include Lightspeed Online, or you can integrate with major ecommerce platforms.
- Customizable checkout: Add hotkeys and tiles for your most-used functions and products.
- Lightspeed B2B: Order wholesale products from a built-in catalog and have them automatically added to your inventory with full product details.
- Inventory management: Industry-leading matrix inventory tools with purchase orders, special orders, bulk edits, low-stock alerts, and stock counting.
- Accounting integration: Sync your accounting software to manage bookkeeping from your POS dashboard.
- Loyalty program: Create a fully customizable program that rewards customers across all sales channels.
- Reporting: Build custom reports or use Lightspeed Analytics for actionable, AI-driven insights.
Helcim: Best for professional services and B2B providers
Overall Reviewer Score
4.06/5
Pricing
4.29/5
Hardware
4.17/5
Mobile app features
3.21/5
Support and reliability
4.17/5
User experience
4.69/5
Average User Review Scores
3.87/5
Pros
- Affordable hardware
- Free software
- Interchange-plus processing fees
- Invoicing and subscription management tools
Cons
- Only basic POS tools; no advanced plans
- Must purchase Helcim hardware to process payments
- Limited integrations for ecommerce
- No marketing tools
Why I chose Helcim
Helcim is a payment processing company that also offers a free, basic POS system for completing sales, tracking inventory, managing customers, and reporting on your small business’s performance. While its POS features are far from what you can get from leading providers in this list, such as Square, Shopify, and Toast, Helcim comes with free advanced invoicing and subscription management tools you can use along with the POS system.
But what I particularly like about Helcim is its fee optimization features. Helcim charges no upfront or monthly fees; you only have to pay for the Helcim card reader and payment processing. And, even that is a steal. Helcim uses interchange-plus pricing for its transaction fees, meaning you pay the minimum processing fee with increased discounts as you process more transactions. To top it off, every merchant account is pre-approved for surcharging with Helcim.
All that, with invoicing and recurring subscription tools, Payment Card Industry (PCI) compliance guarantee, and integration options specifically designed for professional service needs — Helcim is ideal for service professionals with a steadily growing customer base who need a simple, affordable way to handle their billing. Note, however, that using Helcim requires businesses to undergo a merchant application process, so the setup takes longer than other providers in this list.
POS plans and processing fees:
Helcim charges $0 monthly software fees for its POS system.
The only monthly fee you will incur from Helcim is for your payment processing, which varies depending on how much money you process each month. Helcim’s interchange-plus processing fees range from 0.15% + 6 cents to 0.4% + 8 cents for card-present transactions, and card-not-present rates range from 0.15% + 15 cents to 0.50% + 25 cents per transaction. The table below outlines a more detailed breakdown, and you can also use Helcim’s fee calculator to estimate how much you can expect to pay in processing.
Transaction Value | In-Person | Online or Keyed-In |
| $0–$50,000 | 0.4% + 8 cents | 0.50% + 25 cents |
| $50,001–$100,000 | 0.35% + 7 cents | 0.45% + 20 cents |
| $100,001–$500,000 | 0.25% + 7 cents | 0.35% + 20 cents |
| $500,001–$1,000,000 | 0.20% + 6 cents | 0.25% + 15 cents |
| $1,000,001+ | 0.15% + 6 cents | 0.15% + 15 cents |
Hardware:
Helcim’s POS operates on any computer, tablet, or mobile device via the Helcim Payments app. All you have to do to get started is download the app, pair your device with the Helcim Card Reader, and you are ready to go.
The card reader, however, is $99. Alternatively, you can purchase the Helcim Smart Terminal, which is a complete mobile POS system that you can use to check out customers, process payments, and print receipts. The Helcim Smart Terminal is priced at $329, or you can finance the device for five monthly payments of $68.
- Invoicing: Use Helcim’s free invoicing software to streamline billing, get paid faster, and cut processing costs.
- Interchange-plus pricing: Pay only true interchange rates with no markups. The more you process, the more you save — use Helcim’s calculator to see your potential savings.
- Subscription management: Automate recurring billing for credit card and ACH payments.
- Free POS system: Every Helcim account includes a free POS with inventory tracking, CRM, and reporting. Run it on your own device or the Helcim Smart Terminal with a paired card reader.
- Inventory management: Track stock levels and product performance in real time.
- CRM: Store customer details, save payment methods, and view purchase history.
- Reporting: Access detailed reports on sales, tipping, tenders, categories, invoicing, and discounts.
Clover: Best for flexible payment processing and durable mobile POS hardware
Overall Reviewer Score
3.99/5
Pricing
4.11/5
Hardware
4.17/5
Software features
4.46/5
Support and reliability
3.33/5
User experience
4.06/5
Average user review scores
3.80/5
Pros
- Works with multiple merchant service providers in the Fiserv network
- Durable, modern hardware with Wi-Fi and LTE options
- Strong CRM and marketing tools for customer retention
- Month-to-month contracts available through some resellers
Cons
- Merchant account is hard to change once set up
- No built-in online store; requires third-party ecommerce integration
- Pricing, contract terms, and support can vary widely by reseller
Why I chose Clover
Clover is one of the most flexible POS systems for small businesses that want control over their payment processing. While most POS providers lock you into their own merchant account, Clover lets you shop rates and work with different processors in the Fiserv network. That flexibility can mean real savings, especially for high-volume sellers.
In my experience testing Clover, the hardware stood out. Devices like the Clover Flex and Clover Mini are fast, durable, and work anywhere with LTE or Wi-Fi. During my hands-on time, I liked how customizable the software was and how its CRM tools make it easy to build loyalty programs, track customer visits, and send targeted promotions. The buying process isn’t as straightforward as Square or Toast since most businesses purchase Clover through a bank or merchant services provider, but the payoff is a setup that can be tailored to your exact needs.
- POS plans: $0 to $16+ per month if bundled with hardware; plans and rates vary by reseller
- Processing fees: 2.3%-2.6% + 10 cents in person; 3.5% + 10 cents online
- Hardware: Clover Go ($199), Clover Flex ($749), Clover Flex Pocket ($699), Clover Compact ($349), Clover Mini ($849), Clover Station Solo ($1,799)
- Flexible payment processing: Accepts credit/debit, contactless, gift cards, mobile wallets, PayPal, and Venmo QR codes
- CRM and loyalty tools: Create customer profiles, rewards programs, and marketing campaigns directly in the POS
- Business management: Inventory tracking, sales analytics, employee scheduling, and customer feedback collection
- Mobile-ready hardware: LTE and Wi-Fi devices for on-the-go selling, plus countertop stations for in-store operations
- Offline mode: Keep processing payments without internet; syncs automatically when back online
PayPal Point of Sale: Best for microbusinesses and solopreneurs
Overall Reviewer Score
3.98/5
Pricing
4.11/5
Hardware
4.79/5
Software features
3.04/5
Support & Reliability
3.33/5
User Experience
4.06/5
Average User Review Scores
4.57/5
Pros
- PayPal payment method integration for in-store and online sales
- Free POS software
- Low flat-rate payment processing
- Affordable hardware options
Cons
- Limited POS functions; no advanced features
- Not suited for restaurants or appointment-based businesses
- No CRM or employee management tools
- Complaints of frozen accounts
Why I chose PayPal Point of Sale
PayPal Point of Sale (POS) is a free POS system with affordable hardware, making it a great choice for micro-sellers and solopreneurs who only need the basics. It’s fully mobile, so you can take payments anywhere without a physical store. I like that you can run the POS entirely from the free PayPal POS app — including tap-to-pay — with no monthly fees, just processing costs.
While its POS features are more basic than Square’s and there are no upgrade options, it still covers essentials like sales processing, inventory tracking, and customer management. And because it’s tied to PayPal, you also get access to lower processing rates and PayPal’s financing options.
POS plans and processing fees:
PayPal POS’ software is free, so you will incur no monthly software fees. Each month, you only have to pay your processing fees, which are some of the lowest flat-rate options in the industry. PayPal POS processing fees are:
- In-person: 2.29% + 9 cents
- Online: 3.49% + 9 cents
- Manual entry: 3.49% + 9 cents
- QR code: 2.29% + 9 cents
- Invoicing: 2.99% – 3.49%+ 49 cents
Hardware:
PayPal POS also offers two hardware options, along with accessory options. You do not, however, need to purchase any hardware to operate your PayPal POS — you can always use the PayPal POS app, complete with tap-to-pay technology, to make sales and process payments from your personal iOS or Android mobile device. If you do want to use POS hardware, your options are as follows:
- Card reader: $29 for your first reader, $79 for additional readers
- Terminal: $199–$239 (includes built-in barcode scanner)
- POS app: The PayPal POS app works on Android and iOS, letting you process sales from your phone or tablet. It supports barcode scanning via your device’s camera and tap-to-pay without extra hardware.
- Reporting: View basic reports on sales, product performance, and inventory.
- User-friendly checkout: Simple interface for adding discounts, removing products, and emailing receipts. No CRM tools are included.
- PayPal integration: Accept PayPal in-store and online, including financing options like Pay in 4 and PayPal Credit.
- Inventory management: Add products with detailed info, track stock levels, and monitor best- and worst-sellers.
How much does a POS system cost in 2026?
The cost of a POS system in 2026 can range from $0 to over $300 per month in software fees, plus hardware, installation, and payment processing costs. Your total will depend on the provider, the number of locations and terminals, and whether you need industry-specific features.
While free POS systems like Square, GoDaddy, and PayPal POS can get you started with no monthly fee, most growing retailers and restaurants will need paid plans for advanced inventory, analytics, or staff management. Hardware is a one-time or financed expense, and payment processing is charged per transaction.
If you’re comparing POS pricing and POS costs in 2026, the best way to choose is to look at software fees, payment processing rates, hardware costs, and free trial availability side-by-side.
Key factors that affect POS pricing
- Monthly software fee: Subscription cost for POS software, often based on features, industry, and location count.
- Payment processing rates: The percentage + per-transaction fee charged for each sale. In-person rates are usually lower than online or keyed-in transactions.
- Hardware costs: Card readers, handheld devices, registers, printers, and kiosks, either purchased outright or financed monthly.
- Add-ons and integrations: Tools for loyalty programs, payroll, marketing, or online ordering often cost extra.
- Free trial availability: Lets you test the system before committing.
- Contract length: Some providers are month-to-month, while others require multi-year commitments.
POS system pricing comparison
Below is our POS system pricing comparison for the top providers we reviewed, including Square, Shopify, GoDaddy, Toast, Lightspeed, Helcim, Clover, and PayPal Zettle.
Provider
Monthly software fee
In-person payment processing rates
Online payment processing rates
Hardware costs
Free trial availability
Square
$0-$149
2.4%-2.6% + 15 cents
2.9%-3.3% + 30 cents
$59-$799
30 days for paid tiers
Shopify
$5-$399
2.4%-2.7%
2.4%-2.9% + 30 cents
$49-$499
3 days
GoDaddy
$0-$34.99
2.3%-2.5%
Not listed
$99-$499
30 days
Toast
$0-$69+
2.49% + 15 cents
3.5% + 15 cents
From $799
N/A
Lightspeed
$89-$269
2.6% + 10 cents
2.9% + 30 cents
Custom
14 days
Helcim
Free
Interchange + 0.5% + 25 cents
Interchange + 0.5% + 25 cents
$199
N/A
Clover
$0-$16+
~2.3%-2.6% + 10 cents
~3.5% + 10 cents
$199-$1,799
N/A
PayPal Point of Sale
Free
2.29% + 9 cents
3.49% + 9 cents
$29-$79
N/A
Can you get a POS system for free?
Yes, providers like Square, GoDaddy POS, PayPal Zettle, and Toast offer free plans with essential POS features, but you’ll still pay payment processing fees. Free plans are good for testing and small-scale sales, but upgrading unlocks more advanced tools for growth.
Benefits of using a POS system
A POS system is more than a tool for processing payments — it centralizes sales, inventory, and customer data so you can run your business more efficiently. The right system streamlines daily operations, improves decision-making with real-time insights, and supports growth by connecting in-store, online, and mobile sales. Here are the key benefits:
- Faster checkouts: Reduce wait times and handle more sales per hour.
- Real-time inventory tracking: See stock levels instantly across all locations.
- Better reporting: Access sales, customer, and product performance data on demand.
- Integrated payments: Accept cards, cash, and digital wallets in one system.
- Omnichannel selling: Manage in-store, online, and event sales from a unified platform.
- Staff management: Track employee hours, set permissions, and monitor performance.
Key features of a small business POS system
When looking for the best POS system for your small business, consider your unique needs, goals, and budget. The list below outlines all the tools you should consider when selecting a POS system.
Budget
Consider how much you can reasonably spend on your POS system. The starting price for different POS providers can vary by hundreds of dollars a month — there are different startup costs, and some even require you to purchase hardware upfront.
Integrated or third-party payment processing
Some providers require you to use an in-house payment processor, and others allow (or require) you to use a third-party merchant instead. Consider which option is better for you. High-volume businesses typically get better value when they can choose their own merchant account.
Interchange-plus processing
For businesses that are looking to save on their payment processing fees, an especially important consideration for high-volume sellers, you might look for interchange-plus pricing. This is essentially a discounted processing fee structure that scales based on your sales volume, as opposed to flat rate processing, which is consistent no matter how many transactions you process.
Hardware
The best POS systems will offer hardware for in-store and mobile sales, as well as financing options so you can pay over time as you start making revenue.
Related: Best POS hardware
Mobile compatibility
If you plan to take your business on the go and want to be able to make sales from anywhere, your POS should be mobile compatible, either via mobile hardware or a mobile POS app.
Inventory management tools
Your POS should have tools for placing and tracking orders, adding inventory to your catalog, and integrated tracking as products sell across all locations and channels. Additionally, you should be able to view inventory reports and analysis.
Reporting
POS systems should offer data on your inventory, staff performance, marketing initiatives, customer relationships, and your sales channels. If you need more advanced reporting, there are also systems that support custom reporting options and actionable analyses of your performance.
Learn more: Understanding POS data
Customer relationship management tools
Your POS system should have tools for creating customer profiles that log their purchases, contact information, and relevant notes. Some systems will also include tools like loyalty programs and customer segmentation reports for better understanding and retaining your staff.
Marketing features
Some POS systems include integrated marketing tools for sending texts and emails to your customers as well as loyalty program tools. More advanced systems will also have tools for measuring the success of your marketing campaigns and suggestions for how to improve. Depending on the POS system, these tools will either be in-house or available via a third-party app integration.
Multilocation management
For sellers that plan to sell across multiple locations, you should look for a system that can track inventory and sales across all of your locations and create reports for both cumulative performance and individual stores and sales channels. Additionally, you should be wary of how the POS system scales its pricing with location, selecting the one that scales most affordably.
Scalability
Avoid the headache of having to change to a different POS system if your business grows by choosing an option with multiple plans that can scale with you.
Omnichannel sales
If you plan to sell online, you should look for a POS system that allows you to integrate all your sales channels, including your online store, any social media shops, and marketplaces like Amazon and Google Shop.
Integration options
If you have an existing online store or particular tools that you want to be able to use alongside your POS system, be sure they integrate or there is a custom API option so you can keep all your tools on one platform.
Learn more: Key POS features you need
How to choose the right POS system
Choosing the best POS system for small business starts with aligning the platform to your workflow, sales channels, and growth goals. Whether you need an affordable POS for small business, a cloud POS for small businesses, or an industry-specific solution, use this process to guide your choice:
- Define your needs: List your sales volume, inventory type, industry-specific tools, and sales channels.
- Shortlist options: Research providers used in your industry, check user reviews, and remove those that lack must-have functions.
- Compare features and pricing: Weigh total costs, including hardware, software, and payment processing, against the value delivered.
- Check integrations: Ensure the POS connects to your accounting, ecommerce, and CRM systems.
- Test usability: Look for simple navigation, fast transactions, and minimal training requirements.
- Assess support: Prioritize providers with 24/7, multi-channel support and clear onboarding resources.
- Read real-world feedback: Look for consistent praise (or complaints) in long-term user reviews.
- Run a trial: Test the POS in your actual environment before making a final commitment.
When narrowing down your options, weigh these broader considerations to avoid costly missteps:
- Total cost of ownership: Look beyond the monthly fee—factor in processing rates, contract terms, and the cost to add locations, users, or advanced features later.
- Freedom to choose hardware and payments: Some providers lock you into their payment processor or proprietary hardware, limiting your ability to negotiate rates or swap components.
- Scalability (room to grow): Pick a system that can expand from single-location to multi-location or omnichannel without starting over.
- Industry fit: A retail-focused POS may handle SKUs well but lack restaurant-grade order management, and vice versa.
- Reliability: Check whether the POS can keep running during internet outages and how it protects your data.
- Ease of setup: Consider how quickly you can roll out the system without disrupting operations, especially for multi-location businesses.
- Contract and upgrade terms: Understand hardware return policies, cancellation clauses, and how pricing changes when you expand.
FAQs
